What to do in the first instance
Neighbourhood noise pollution is a frequent cause of complaints to local councils and the police.
How we respond to noise may depend on how we feel. What is acceptable to the ear one day can drive us to distraction the next. Recognising how our moods can influence our response helps us know when others really are behaving unfairly.
If neighbourhood noise is a genuine problem for you, there are a few options you can take.
Getting help
Go to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) website for guidance on when different types of noise, such as instruments or powertools, are permitted and which authority to contact regarding that noise.
Solve the problem amicably
In the first instance, you should try to solve a noise dispute amicably by talking with whoever is causing the noise.
Often people don't realise they are causing a problem and may be happy to do what they can to help.
If this approach is not successful and the noise is a recurrent problem, you may consider contacting a Community Justice Centre (CJC). These are government-funded but independent centres that specialise in settling differences between neighbours without getting into complicated legal processes.